Danielle Dolgoy of the Edmonton Healing Centre reports a growing number of people facing complex mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and burnout. She highlights that many individuals are unable to access the care they need because of financial barriers.
The Edmonton Healing Centre offers a wide range of services to support mental health, including individual, family, and youth therapy, as well as grief and loss counseling.
Their approach includes specialized therapies such as EMDR, art therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, aimed at addressing complex trauma and emotional difficulties.
Here are some practical steps individuals, communities, and policymakers can take to address the growing mental health challenges and improve access to care:
For Individuals
Seek Early Help: Don’t wait for problems to become overwhelming. Reach out to counselors, support groups, or trusted adults early.
Use Free or Low-Cost Resources: Look for community centers, online support groups, or free courses like those offered by the Edmonton Healing Centre.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities like exercise, mindfulness, journaling, or creative arts to support mental well-being.
For Communities and Organizations
Raise Awareness: Host workshops or talks to educate people about mental health and available resources.
Create Support Networks: Establish peer support groups where people can share experiences and encouragement.
Partner with Local Services: Work with mental health centers to provide referrals or joint programs.
For Policymakers and Healthcare Providers
Increase Funding: Allocate more resources to mental health services to expand capacity and reduce wait times.
Support Sliding Scale and Free Services: Encourage more clinics to offer affordable care options.
Promote Mental Health Education: Integrate mental health awareness into schools and workplaces to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
By working together at all levels, we can help more people get the care they need and improve mental health outcomes for the community.
To make care accessible, the Centre provides low-cost, no-cost, and sliding scale payment options. They also offer a free online grief course and support groups to help people heal in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The Centre’s model encourages those who can pay to help fund services for those who cannot, creating a community ripple effect of care.
Despite these efforts, the demand for mental health services continues to rise, and many still face challenges in getting timely, affordable support. The Edmonton Healing Centre remains committed to expanding access and helping more people begin their healing journeys
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